2023-24 Tryouts

 Interested in joining the De Pere High School Dance team?!

 What to expect for tryouts:

Pre-Tryout Clinic for 8th graders only- Wednesday, April 26th 3:15-5 pm @ MS GYM

Pre-Tryout Clinic grades 8-11- Wednesday, May 3rd 3:30-5:30 pm @ HS Back Commons

Gives an opportunity to come practice skills/technique and an example of the types of routines included in tryouts.

Tryout Week-

*Please come on the first day of tryouts with the written portion filled out to hand in. Written portions of tryouts can be filled out in the link below or picked up in the office.

·        Monday, May 15th 3:30-5 pm- Skills & Pom/Jazz

·        Tuesday, May 16th 3:30-5 pm- Skills & Hip Hop

·        Thursday, May 18th 3:30-5 pm- Assessment Day

If you are selected as a member of the team, there will be a mandatory parent/dancer meeting on Monday, May 22th at 6 pm at the High School.

Sign up for Tryouts-

Official Tryout Sign up for HS DPDT 

Skills Assessment-

You will learn a short Pom/Jazz and Hip-Hop routine as well as performing a skills assessment. Candidates try out in groups and will be evaluated by a panel of judges based on a version of the WACPC score sheet. Try outs will consist of a skills assessment, the routine assessments, and the written portion of the Try Out Packet and will all be considered when determining the final team.

You do not need any dance/cheer/gymnastics training to try out for the team! It is helpful, but not mandatory! The pre-tryout clinics will be very helpful for those that do not have any prior training when prepping for the official tryout audition.

Mandatory Skills for Assessment-

• Splits

• Leaps

• Kick Series 2- 8 counts

• Toe Touch

• Double Turn

• 1 A Turn into a single turn

Trick of Choice-

• Headspring

• Aerial

• Kip Up

• Turning C jump

• Calypso

• Switch Leap

• Firebird Jump

• Tilt/Leg hold of all variations

• Split jump

• Disc

*All try out days are mandatory to audition. If you have a Spring Sports commitment that should be your priority and it will be your responsibility to learn any missed choreography/skills from another candidate.

What to Wear/Bring:

·        Black Athletic clothing with no print on it (shirts should be fitted)

·        Dance shoes preferred, but socks are ok if you do not have any yet

·        Hair is to be pulled back in a pony

·        Water bottle

·        No Jewelry!

Judging Criteria

1. Dance ability & Rhythm: Able to complete steps in control & on beat

2. Knowledge of routine: Confident in memorization of choreography

3. Precision & Form: Sharp movements, full extensions

4. Technique: Performing skills correctly and with pointed toes, correct posture, good height, solid landings, etc.

5. Spirit: Using correct facials necessary for routine/choreography, appearance of having fun performing and ability to attract audience attention in an appropriate manor

Questions? Feel free to email Coach Steph with any questions at Swojcik@depere.k12.wi.us!